vikings/nfl

The NFL's downfall will not be the result of labor unrest or fraudulent officiating. Inevitably, someone is going to die on the football field. And it may even be a star player. Already in this young season we've seen a Tulane player have to be resuscitated on the field. We've also seen a very scary hit on Raiders receiver Darrius Hewyard-Bey that could very easily have ended worse than it did. Penalties and fines are simply not going to stop these alpha-male defensemen from leading with their helmets, particularly when presented with an opportunity to crush a defenseless receiver. If studies showing brain damaged former football players has caused a small minority of parents to keep their children from playing football, a violent and gruesome death on Football Night In America WILL have a major impact on the game.

Patrick's unique writing style tells us we are not too bright. Unfortunately for us, he is spot on.

Strike in the NFL and the fans come back in droves, strike in the MLB and they don't. Bad refereeing in the NFL and fans still watch...botched calls in the playoff and MLB fans tune out. Whose the smarter fans I ask you? No contest. And who prey tell has the stronger union? No contest. So why has football taken over baseball as the national pasttime? Dumb fans and a dumber public. OR as Bill Maher says, "the dumbest country in the World"...fire away posters or should I say posers?

@lindyfrank. I agree with the gist of your post. There are four main reasons why the NFL has taken over: 1. Shrinking attention spans among the public makes football far more consumable than other sports. Most of the games are played on the same day. 2. Fantasy football. 3. Gambling. 4. TV networks and their radio subsidiaries spend billions on their NFL contracts. Consequently, their content year 'round is football heavy. It is agenda setting at its finest. They want you to think football is what you should be talking about.

Sorry, Patrick, but I'm turning off the NFL this week. I'll get my football fix with high school and college ball. Without legitimate officiating, this isn't the NFL I know and love. To me, it's no different than if the players were on strike. Fans should walk out on the NFL until the real refs are back, because it's the only way to save the game. Sadly, the owners only understand TV ratings and gate attendance.

Have to admit, I'm watching more than just the Vikes just to see these stripped stooges in action. The analogy of a train wreck is appropriate. What else do expect from a society that worships the Kardashians and Snookie? Someone needs to interview Wilf about the ref situation.

Why not explain the other side of this sad affair. Unlike refs in baseball and basketball, nfl refs are part time. they have other good jobs.they get about $150,000/year, fly first class, get big expense allowances. they think they should get a special free retirement deal from nfl as well as from their regular job. the nfl says they should have a great 401k plan--like most of us have. greed here by the refs. Mis handled by the nfl?yes, but greed by well paid refs too.

Let's face it ... the American public has "dumbed-down". The President fully understands this when he focus his time/attention on WNBA basketball, The View and NFL football ... all while Rome is Burning. Oh ... I'd better check my Facebook ....

If you are over about 30 years old and still playing Fantasy Football and wearing Vikings braids or facepaint, there is something terribly wrong with you.

lindyfrank - gee, it wouldn't have anything to do with football being far more entertaining than baseball? Or maybe it's because there's more parity in football and teams can't just buy championships every year? Can't agree with your argument at all. Nice job piling onto the view that many baseball fans see themselves as somewhat "elitist" though.